Tag Archives: Honor

“Whereas Walt Disney’s life personified the American dream and his rags-to-riches story demonstrated that the United States of America remains the land of opportunity…”

On May 24, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson presented the Congressional Gold Medal to Walt Disney’s widow, Lillian Disney. Walt, who had passed away on December 15, 1966, had previously received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1964. In the joint resolution to issue the medal, it honored Walt’s contributions, his humanitarian efforts, his help with the war effort during World War II, and “his belief that good will ultimately triumphs over evil.”

On May 10, 2005, a special ceremony was held in Disneyland for animator and member of the Nine Old Men Ollie Johnston. Under the ruse of receiving a special honor for contributing to the Carolwood organization, Johnson was surprised to find that his locomotive, the Marie E., was on the Disneyland tracks to allow him one last ride. Johnson, along with Ward Kimball and Walt Disney, were train enthusiasts, but in his older age, Johnson had to sell his train as he was unable to operate it. Sold to none other than John Lasseter, Lasseter was able to find a way to bring it to the park in a special ceremony. Friends and family were gathered at Frontierland station to watch Johnson ride his beloved train one last time.

May 7, 2010 – The Disney Feature Animation Building is Renamed in Honor of Roy E. Disney

“Nobody appreciated what went on inside the building more than Roy Disney, so that is why we decided to put his name on the top of it.” – Bob Iger, President and CEO of the Walt Disney Company

On May 7, 2010, a special ceremony was held to remember Roy E. Disney as the Disney Feature Animation Building was renamed in his honor. Disney, who was one of the important players in saving Disney Animation in the late 1980s and through the 1990s, tragically passed away on December 16, 2009. The event, hosted by D23, also gave guests the opportunity to view two films with which Disney was heavily involved: the True-Life Fantasy Perri and the Disney animated feature film Fantasia 2000. The event was attended by producer Don Hahn, president and CEO Bob Iger, and Disney’s family.

April 25, 2008 – Former Disney CEO is Honored on Hollywood Walk of Fame

“So, I accept this for Frank [Wells], for Bob [Iger], and John [Travolta], and for all the cast members of the Walt Disney Company, and I thank you all for coming out on not too hot a day.”

On April 25, 2008, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner was honored with the 2,361st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his part in Disney’s comeback in the era known as the Disney Renaissance. Eisner, whose tenure at Disney lasted from 1984 to 2005, was joined at his ceremony by Hollywood Chamber of Commerce President Leron Gubler, current CEO of The Walt Disney Company Bob Iger, actor John Travolta, and Mickey Mouse.

March 18, 2003 – Imagineer Orlando Ferrante is Awarded a Window on Main Street, U.S.A. in Disneyland

“I love seeing the ideas and being able to help make them a reality.”

On March 18, 2003, Imagineer Orlando Ferrante was awarded one of the highest honors in the Walt Disney Company – a window in Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. Ferrante began his work with Disney in 1962, joining WED Enterprises as an expeditor, overseeing the first Audio-Animatronics in Disneyland’s Enchanted Tiki Room. After working on the coordination of attractions built for the New York World’s Fair, he was asked to create a new department within WED: the Project Installation Coordinating Office (PICO). Ferrante continue to climb up the ranks, being named general manager of administration in 1972, followed by vice president of administration and production; he was appointed as the vice president of engineering and production in 1979. After moving to France in 1990, he was named the vice president of show and ride engineering, working on the attractions in Disneyland Paris. He retired in 2002, but not before he moved to Venice, Italy, to help with the Disney Cruise Line. The window is in honor of his work with PICO, reading “The PICO Organizations, Installation & Coordination of World Class Projects. We Never Sleep – in Any Time Zone.”

“I call upon all Americans to recognize this very special day in the spirit in which Walt Disney entertained young and older Americans.”

On December 5, 1986, the United States of America officially celebrated Walt Disney Recognition Day. The celebration, passed by the Senate on August 23, 1986, and celebrated on the birthday of Walt Disney, was honored via a proclamation by then-President Ronald Reagan on what would have been Disney’s 85th birthday. In a special statement, Reagan recognized Disney’s contributions to the field of entertainment, his virtues and imagination, and the sense of wonder he gave to people the world over.

“With his unfailing good cheer, Mickey Mouse appears to be one of the last dependable figures in a world beset by turmoil and confusion.” – Charles Solomon, L.A. Times Reporter

On November 18, 1978, Mickey Mouse was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first cartoon character with this distinction. Located on 6925 Hollywood Boulevard, Mickey’s star was a culmination of his popularity and his presence as the face of the Walt Disney Company. The honor also coincided with the official announcement from the Disney Archives that November 18, the day that Steamboat Willie first premiered in 1928, would be officially known as Mickey’s birthday.